A COLLECTION OF ADMIRAL VERNON 'PORTO BELLO' MEDALS, 1739-1741

with assorted portraits of Vernon to the obverse and the fleet attack to reverse, most -- 1½in. (4cm.) diameter

(8)

Reference: Adams, Chao & Bentley: Medallic Portraits of Admiral Vernon: Medals Sometimes Lie, Kolbe & Fanning, Gahanna, 2010

Royal Naval Club & Royal Albert Yacht Club, Portsmouth

Admiral Edward Vernon (1684-1757) gained his fame during the short war of Jenkins Ear, which was sparked by Captain Robert Jenkins having his ear cut off by Spanish Coast Guard when he and his smuggling ship Rebecca were captured off the coast of Cuba in 1731. Seven years later, in a wave of revenge filled debate, Jenkins was paraded before Parliament without his ear. Permission was granted for punitive raids to take place in the Caribbean and Vernon was given command of the expedition. He first attacked Porto Bello in Panama 20-22 November 1739 where, with six ships, he captured the port and over three days destroyed the fortifications and warehouses which provided much treasure. He then attacked Cartagena, in present day Colombia, on 13-20 March 1740. However the Spanish prepared a solid defence against the British and after 21 days of siege, Vernon withdrew his force and returned to Panama where he attacked Fort Real Chagres (22-24 March 1740). The fort was defended by only a small garrison which the British quickly overcame, thus removing the last Spanish stronghold in Panama.

Vernon returned to Cartagena on 3 May 1740 and was again unsuccessful. Determined to gain Cartagena and her riches, Vernon returned on 13 March 1741 and maintained an amphibious assault during which the British gained the upper hand and a messenger was despatched to London with news of the victory which resulted in the minting of commemorative medals by Mr. Pinchbeck. The reality was much different, which following yellow fever afflicting the British troops, they then decided to return to Jamaica to regroup. A Council of War agreed to attack Havana which, when news reached London, meant more medals commemorating victory were struck. However, it was decided Havana was too strong so Santiago would be attacked. This too was deemed too strong at which point Vernon brought his fleet home.

It appears the one man who did well from all this activity was the descent of Christopher Pinchbeck who developed the brass alloy which became the basis for these medals and became known as Pinchbeck Gold. The Vernon series of medals is unique in its scope with a couple of hundred varieties covering one campaign.

Condition Report

With reference to ‘Medallic Portraits of Admiral Vernon’ by Adams, Chao and Bentleyall AE except where noted: NLv 8-G Betts 246 VF R-5, PBv 16-M Betts 194 VF R-5, 17-N Betts 180 VG R-6, 26-V Betts 216 AR VG R-5, 32-K Betts 204 F R-6. PBvi 5-F Betts 222 VG R-5, 6-G Betts 224 VF R-5, 11-P Betts 238 VF R-6.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.